To market, to market.

I had an AMAZING time at the local pop up market yesterday!  I got to meet some wonderful people, sell some of my products, and have a wonderful encounter that I'd love to share with you.

Often times when I'm making something, I wonder where it will eventually end up.  Who will love this piece so much they want to take it home or give it as a gift?  Where will my happy creations go?  This is one of the reasons I so enjoy meeting my customers in person, because I get the story behind the purchase.  Why they're buying, who it's for, why they love it.

I had such an experience on Sunday, and I really feel it was just a bit of divine providence.

I'd made a beautiful tote, smaller than my normal size, and for some reason while I was in the process of sewing it, I decided to do a short handle.  I thought it would look cuter, and instead of an over the shoulder, you'd be able to just carry it, easy peasy.

Well imagine my surprise yesterday when a woman stopped at my table and started perusing my bags to find the ones with the shortest handles!  She prefers a bag she can carry, and although its predominant pink tones weren't her favorite colors, she fell in love with it anyway.  Knowing that I'd unwittingly made something that was perfect for someone honestly made my day.  She added some matching items to her purchase and I was just so happy for her.  It was a wonderful feeling, and she confided that she likes markets or fairs for the same reason I do.  She likes buying from a person; talking to the person that made the item.  I was so pleased.  It was a beautiful connection and I felt blessed and grateful.

For your enjoyment, here are some fun photos from the event.

Boo boo buddy size heating pad / ice pack.  Cinnamon scented so it smells yummy and soothing.

My table full of goodies.  

I may love making tote bags.  Just a little.

So in short?  I had an amazing time and I really look forward to doing it again!  I'll keep you posted for future markets, and thanks to everyone who stopped by.

Back in the Saddle Again!

Well, it's been quite a bit of time since my last blog post!  My first craft fair was a huge success, and now that the holiday hoopla has well and truly passed, I'm game for another.

I took a bit of a break from sewing after the holidays, having made two twin comforter size rag quilts for my boys for Christmas.  They came out beautifully, but with the many hours that went into them before the holiday, I needed a chance for a little sewing decompression afterwards.

I'm back in the saddle again and have been having so much fun making new products, and exploring new fabrics.  I'd love for you to check it out!

I'll be at the Love Local Market at Get Baked in Windsor, CT this Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 1000am - 200pm, and I'm so looking forward to it.

I don't just view it as an opportunity to offer my handcrafted items, but also to connect personally with my customers.  I love being able to talk to people, find out what they might use the items for, if they're purchasing a gift, if it's a treat for themselves...I just enjoy the conversation and the joy that comes of someone loving one of my creations enough to purchase it.  There's no higher compliment than a completed sale and the warmth in someone's eyes when they're pleased with their purchase.

Although I always strive to offer a positive experience when people purchase from my Etsy shop, there's something much more personal about that face to face contact.

It's also an opportunity for me to meet other crafters, and I'm so excited to do so....and also concerned my wallet may suffer a little as a result.  ;)  There are many fine products being offered and I look forward to not just being a vendor, but a customer as well!

Feel free to stop by and say hello, and see some of my new designs.  I'd love to meet you in person and show you the fun items Pumpkin Craft has to offer.